Disaster Preparedness

K-6 children explored ”Disaster Preparedness” through hands-on activities at the Urbana Free Library in Urbana, Illinois on Saturday, January 27, 2001. This Masters of Disasters event was sponsored by the City of Urbana’s Project Impact program. Project Impact is a Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) nationwide disaster prevention initiative to help communities develop their own locally based prevention and loss reduction programs. Children received a certificate for completing natural disaster preparedness activities at each of the five learning stations. The stations were designed for adults and children to work together to learn about tornados, floods, earthquakes and other disasters, as well as how to protect themselves, in a fun learning environment. As a Project Impact Partner with the City of Urbana, The Mid-America Earthquake Center participated in the event with shake table demonstrations and an interactive touch screen that included a game where children constructed and tested a small building subjected to earthquake motions. A tornado video, a sample family disaster supplies kit, and an emergency preparedness checklist was also available for view.

During National Fire Prevention Week, October 2000, a community event was held at the Lincoln Square Mall, Urbana, IL. This “Family Night” experience educated the public about safety. The program included viewing safety displays, fire trucks, a fire safety house, and Project Impact and MAE Center booths with activities for children.